Two very different waterfalls
See the broad curtain of Skógafoss and the slender drop of Seljalandsfoss.
South Coast waterfalls & black sand beach tour
Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss and Reynisfjara, with a glacier viewpoint and time in Vík.
Waterfall views from the open visitor area.
Photo 1 of 9: Skógafoss waterfall and a rainbow above its dark riverbed.Description
Visit Skógafoss, Seljalandsfoss, the Reynisfjara coast and a Sólheimajökull glacier viewpoint on a small-group day from Reykjavík with Gateway to Iceland. Pickup and guiding are included; lunch and glacier hiking are not.
View moreView less about this tour
Travel east from Reykjavík with Gateway to Iceland for a day of waterfalls, black-sand coast and glacier scenery. The route follows the South Coast, with minibus transport and a local driver-guide so you can spend the day looking out of the window rather than managing the driving.
This is a sightseeing tour. You stop near Sólheimajökull to see the glacier from land; walking on the ice and specialist glacier equipment are not included. At Reynisfjara, the guide follows the access and warning system in force on the day, which can mean viewing the coast from a designated viewpoint.
Allow approximately ten hours, including driving and outdoor stops. Meals are extra, with an opportunity to buy lunch along the way. Dyrhólaey is a seasonal, conditions-dependent part of the route, and neither puffins nor a walk behind Seljalandsfoss can be promised.
Tour at a glance
- Duration
- Approx. 10 hours
- Starts in
- Reykjavík
- Travel style
- Small-group minibus
- Guide
- English
- Food
- Meals not included
- Activity
- Sightseeing & short walks
What makes this day special
Black sand & basalt
Look across Reynisfjara’s volcanic coast and offshore sea stacks from the areas open to visitors.
A glacier viewpoint
Get a closer look at Sólheimajökull from land, without booking a glacier hike.
Included in your day
- Pickup and drop-off at the supplier’s listed Reykjavík locations
- Small-group minibus transport
- Local driver-guide and English commentary
- Guided sightseeing stops along the South Coast
Not included
- Meals, snacks and drinks
- Glacier hiking, ice-cave entry or specialist glacier equipment
- Guaranteed puffin sightings or guaranteed access behind waterfalls
What to bring
- Warm layers and a windproof, waterproof outer layer
- Sturdy shoes suitable for wet or uneven paths
- Water and food for the day; meals are extra unless listed as included
Your day, stop by stop
Pickup in Reykjavík
Meet at your chosen location for the 08:30–09:00 pickup window. Check your confirmation for the exact location and any location-specific time.
Skógafoss waterfall
Spend time in the visitor area below the waterfall. Your guide can advise which paths are suitable on the day; wet weather and winter ice change walking conditions.
Dyrhólaey, when conditions allow
The coastal headland can feature on the route, particularly in the summer season. Access depends on conditions and bird-protection restrictions. Puffin sightings are seasonal and never guaranteed.
Reynisfjara coast & sea stacks
See the dark shoreline, basalt formations and Reynisdrangar sea stacks. Follow your guide and the current barriers; a viewpoint visit may replace access to the beach.
A break in Vík
Pause in the village with an opportunity to buy lunch or refreshments. Your guide confirms the break arrangements. Food and drinks are not included.
Sólheimajökull glacier viewpoint
Walk towards a land-based view of the glacier and its surrounding landscape if conditions permit. Stay off the ice: this tour does not include a guided glacier walk.
Seljalandsfoss waterfall
Enjoy the waterfall from the open paths. Walking behind the falls is only possible when access is open and safe; it is often restricted in icy conditions.
Return to Reykjavík
Return to your designated drop-off after the coastal stops. Allow approximately ten hours for the day, with flexibility for traffic, weather and route changes.
See the stops on a map
Explore the places on this sightseeing day.
Tour stop overview
Place locations only, not driving directions or pickup points.
The order of stops can change. Dyrhólaey, beach access, waterfall paths and the glacier viewpoint depend on the conditions and restrictions in force on the day.
Ready for your day?
Your Reykjavík pickup
Choose a location from the actual pickup list when selecting your tour. Central hotels often use a nearby designated tour bus stop.
- Pickup normally runs 08:30–09:00, Iceland time. Be ready at the beginning of the window; follow the location-specific time in your confirmation.
- Meet at your selected stop, not a general city-centre meeting point. Tour bus stops are marked separately from yellow Strætó city-bus stops.
- Look for the Gateway to Iceland tour sign in the vehicle window. Keep your phone available during pickup.
Who can join
No minimum age is listed.
Accessibility
Ask us to check vehicle boarding, walking surfaces and mobility requirements before booking. Step-free access is not confirmed.
Cancellation terms
Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Later cancellations and no-shows are not refunded.
Cancellation policyA few useful answers
Do we walk on the glacier?
No. Sólheimajökull is a sightseeing and viewpoint stop from land. A glacier hike, crampons and specialist glacier equipment are not included.
Can we walk on Reynisfjara beach?
Only where access is permitted on the day. Follow the guide, signs and barriers. Coastal conditions can restrict the visit to viewpoints. Stay away from the water: powerful sneaker waves can arrive without warning.
Will we walk behind Seljalandsfoss?
Only if the path is open and conditions allow. Ice and other hazards can close it. You can still view the waterfall from the permitted visitor area.
Is Dyrhólaey always included?
No. It is a seasonal, conditions-dependent stop. Access can be limited for weather or nesting-bird protection, and puffins are not present year-round.
Is lunch included?
No. There is an opportunity to buy food during the day. Bring water and snacks, and budget separately for lunch.
How demanding is the walking?
This is an easy sightseeing day with several outdoor stops, not a guided hike. Paths can be uneven, slippery or icy, particularly near the glacier and waterfalls. Ask us to check specific mobility needs before booking.
Can young children join?
The operator lists no minimum tour age. This is a long day in a minibus, so consider your child’s comfort. Select a child seat if required and give the child’s age and height when asked.
Who operates the tour and handles my booking?
Gateway to Iceland operates the tour and provides the driver-guide. Things to Do in Iceland is your seller and handles your booking, payment documents and cancellation request.
Can I book as a solo traveller?
Yes. You do not need to bring a group of four. The operator needs at least four adults across all bookings for a departure to run. If the operator cancels, choose an offered alternative you accept or receive a full refund.
What happens if the weather changes the tour?
The guide can change the order of stops, use alternative locations or cancel if conditions are unsafe. Allow flexibility in your plans. If the operator cancels your tour, you can accept an offered alternative or receive a full refund.
What are the cancellation terms?
Cancel at least 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Later cancellations and no-shows are not refunded. The deadline uses Iceland time and the time your cancellation request is received.